Daniel 8:19 - Printer Friendly

ESV: He said, "Behold, I will make known to you what shall be at the latter end of the indignation, for it refers to the appointed time of the end.

NIV: He said: "I am going to tell you what will happen later in the time of wrath, because the vision concerns the appointed time of the end.

NASB: And he said, 'Behold, I am going to inform you of what will occur at the final period of the indignation, because it pertains to the appointed time of the end.

CSB: and said, "I am here to tell you what will happen at the conclusion of the time of wrath, because it refers to the appointed time of the end.

NLT: Then he said, 'I am here to tell you what will happen later in the time of wrath. What you have seen pertains to the very end of time.

KJV: And he said, Behold, I will make thee know what shall be in the last end of the indignation: for at the time appointed the end shall be.

NKJV: And he said, “Look, I am making known to you what shall happen in the latter time of the indignation; for at the appointed time the end shall be.

God's inspired Word sometimes offers prophecies which come with "double fulfillment." This refers to a prophecy which is completed in a way foreshadowing another, future fulfillment. While the explanation given here refers to the end of Jewish persecution under a particular ancient king, it also foretells something about the end times.

Daniel's vision (Daniel 8:1–2) depicted the rise of a brutal king who would clash with God's people for many, many days (Daniel 8:9–14). Included in this is terrible interference with sacrifices and offerings, and a desecration of the temple. The angel who speaks, Gabriel (Daniel 8:16), will provide more details in this passage (Daniel 8:23–25).

The first fulfillment of these ideas will come through Antiochus IV Epiphanes, a Greek who brutally persecuted the Jewish people centuries after Daniel and centuries before Jesus' earthly ministry. Epiphanes spitefully vandalized the temple and outlawed Jewish worship. The second fulfillment of these ideas will not occur until the end times (Matthew 24:15–27; Revelation 13).

Daniel 8:15–27 includes the angel Gabriel's explanation of Daniel's vision, along with Daniel's reaction. The symbols Daniel saw predict the end of the Medo-Persian empire, the rise and fall of Alexander the Great, and the emergence of a tyrant who persecutes the Jewish people. Though the prophecy has been "explained" Daniel doesn't fully grasp everything that's going to occur. What he's told is disturbing enough to keep him bedridden for several days.

Daniel sees a vision, later explained to him by the angel Gabriel. A swift-moving goat overpowers a two-horned ram. This represents the conquest of Greece over Medo-Persia. Then the goat's horn shatters, replaced by four more; this predicts Alexander the Great's death and succession. Later, a ruler arises to brutally persecute God's people. This prophecy refers to Antiochus IV Epiphanes, who desecrated the temple and outlawed Jewish religious practices. It also foreshadows the end times when the Antichrist will be tied to similar events. The experience leaves Daniel temporarily bedridden.

The first 6 chapters of Daniel recorded events from his life. The final chapters record his visions of the future. The prior chapter contained a dream involving several animals, depicting powerful nations. The vision explained here also deals with conquering empires, but also touches on events to come in the end times. Daniel's next passage includes his prayer for Israel and further explanation of what will happen in the last days of human history.

The book of Daniel contains famous Old Testament stories and prophecies. Daniel was taken from the Israelite people and made an advisor for a conquering empire. He demonstrates faithfulness and wisdom during many years serving in this role. Though Daniel does not deliver a public message, Jesus refers to him as a "prophet" (Matthew 24:15). The first portion of the book mostly describes Daniel's interpretations of dreams and other events. The second portion looks ahead to the end times. Daniel is classified in English Bibles as a "major" prophet, meaning the book is relatively long and the content has broad implications. The book of Revelation echoes and expands on many of the same themes.

Accessed 11/21/2024 8:54:05 AM